Linksys WPC54GR manual Appendix C Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster

Appendix C: Wireless Security

Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.

Security Precautions

The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (at least steps 1 through 5 should be followed):

1.Change the default SSID.

2.Disable SSID Broadcast.

3.Change the default password for the Administrator account.

4.Enable MAC Address Filtering.

5.Change the SSID periodically.

6.Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that this may reduce your network performance.

7.Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:

Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.

SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:

Appendix C: Wireless Security

Note: Some of these security features are available only through the network router or access point. Refer to the router or access point’s documentation for more information.

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Security Precautions

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Contents Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this User GuideWord definition Table of Contents Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Front Panel List of Figures10 Import a Profile Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC IntroductionWelcome What’s in this User Guide?Introduction What’s in this User Guide? Topology the physical layout of a network Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology RoamingNetwork Layout Link Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook AdapterLED Indicators PowerStarting the Setup Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook AdapterSetting up the Adapter Connecting the AdapterWEP Key Needed for Connection Congratulations 10 Network Settings Manual SetupWEP PSK2 WPA PersonalEAP-TLS WPA EnterpriseRadius 19 Confirm New Settings Link Information Using the Wireless Network MonitorAccessing the Wireless Network Monitor Wireless Network Status screenWireless Network Status More Information-Network Statistics Wireless Network StatisticsSite Information Site SurveyProfile Information Profiles12 Create a New Profile Create a New ProfileWPA Personal Needed for Connection 13 Available Wireless Network 15 Wireless Mode 17 Wireless Security WEP 19 Wireless Security PSK2 EAP-TLS 22 Wireless Security Radius Using EAP-TLS 25 Congratulations Common Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingWireless-G Notebook Adapter does not work properly What 802.11b features are supported? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the 802.11b standard? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is Spread Spectrum? What is infrastructure mode?What is roaming? What is ISM band?What is RADIUS? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WEP? What is WPA? Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Appendix B Windows XP Wireless Zero ConfigurationFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless Security Security Precautions Appendix C Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless Security Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Shared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster 802.11g Ofdm Appendix F SpecificationsLimited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationWireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix I Contact Information